Information Processing Apparatus, Display Method, and Display Program

ABSTRACT

This application discloses systems and methods for receiving information associated with a first set of processing instructions and presenting a second icon indicating a change in status of data associated with the first set of processing instructions. A user selection of one of a first icon or the second icon may then be received. The selection of the first icon may cause execution of the first set of processing instructions, whereas selection of the second icon may cause execution of a second set of processing instructions.

BACKGROUND

1. Technological Field

The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, adisplay method, and a display program which are suitably used fordisplaying an icon for activating an application, for example.

2. Description of the Related Art

Recently, there is a type of information processing apparatus such as apersonal computer in which an icon (so-called short-cut) for activatinga predetermined application (this will be also referred to as app) isdisplayed on the desktop screen or the like.

As such information processing apparatus, for example, there has beenproposed a type of information processing apparatus in which a short-cutfor activating a predetermined function of an app is created on thedesktop screen or the like on the basis of a user input (see, forexample, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No.2004-102457).

As such information processing apparatus, for example, there has beenalso proposed a type of information processing apparatus in which thenumber of newly arrived information in an app (for example, newlyarrived emails or the like in the case of an email app) is displayedtogether with an icon for activating the app.

Incidentally, each of the information processing apparatuses describedabove is configured to display the number of newly arrived informationin an app together with an icon for activating the app, thereby makingit possible to notify the user that newly arrived information has beenacquired in the app.

However, to actually check the contents of newly arrived information inthe app, it is necessary for the user to perform an operation ofselecting the icon for activating the app via an input section, therebycausing the above-described information processing apparatus to activatethe app. Thereafter, it is further necessary for the user to perform apredetermined operation via the input section to display the contents ofnewly arrived information in the app.

That is, the above-described information processing apparatuses make itnecessary for the user to perform cumbersome operations when making theuser check information related to a state change in an app, such as thecontents of newly arrived information in the app.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, an information processing apparatus is disclosed. Theinformation processing apparatus may comprise, for example, an inputunit configured to receive information associated with a first set ofprocessing instructions. The information processing apparatus mayfurther comprise, for example, a controller configured to: generate afirst signal to cause a first icon to be presented on a display;generate a second signal, based on the received information, to cause asecond icon to be presented on the display, the second icon indicating achange in status of data associated with the first set of processinginstructions; and receive a user selection of one of the first or secondicons, selection of the first icon causing execution of the first set ofprocessing instructions, and selection of the second icon causingexecution of a second set of processing instructions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing an overview of a firstembodiment;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the exterior configuration of aportable terminal according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of theportable terminal according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram used for explaining a home screen (1);

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram used for explaining a home screen (2);

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram used for explaining a home screen (3);

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram used for explaining a home screen (4);

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram used for explaining a screen in a videopurchase app;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a new arrivals overview informationregistration procedure;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a new arrivals icon display procedure;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an icon selection procedure;

FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram showing an overview of a secondembodiment;

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the exterior configuration of aportable terminal according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of theportable terminal according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram used for explaining a home screen (1)according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram used for explaining a home screen (2)according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram used for explaining a home screen (3)according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an icon selection procedure according toanother embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram used for explaining a home screen (1)according to another embodiment; and

FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram used for explaining a home screen (2)according to another embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Several embodiments are described below. The description will be givenin the following order of topics.

1. First Embodiment (example with two display sections)

2. Second Embodiment (example with one display section)

3. Other Embodiments

1. First Embodiment 1-1. Overview of First Embodiment

First, an overview of the first embodiment will be described. Afterdescribing this overview, the description will move on to a specificexample of this embodiment.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes an information processingapparatus. The information processing apparatus 1 has a control section2. The control section 2 is configured to display on a first displaysection 3 a first icon for activating a predetermined application.

In addition, upon detecting a state change (i.e., a change in status) inthe application, the control section 2 is configured to display on thefirst display section 3 a second icon for indicating the state changeand displaying information related to the state change.

Further, the control section 2 is configured to display informationrelated to the state change on a second display section 5 when thesecond icon is selected via an input section 4. The control section 2may comprise a controller, such as a computer, Processor and memory,etc.

The above-described configuration makes it possible for the informationprocessing apparatus 1 to notify the user of a state change in apredetermined application. At the same time, the information processingapparatus 1 allows the user to check information related to the statechange by merely making the user perform a simple operation of selectingthe second icon via the input section 4.

A specific example of the information processing apparatus 1 configuredas described above will be described in detail below.

1-2. Exterior Configuration of Portable Terminal

Next, referring to FIG. 2, a description will be given of the exteriorconfiguration of a portable terminal 100 representing a specific exampleof the information processing apparatus 1 described above.

In the portable terminal 100, a first casing 101 and a second casing 102are rotatably coupled to each other by, for example, coupling sections103A and 103B such as hinges so as to separate from or approach eachother, and are electrically connected to each other.

Each of the first casing 101 and the second casing 102 has asubstantially flat rectangular shape of such a size that allows it to beheld in one hand.

A first touch screen 104 having a rectangular shape is provided at thecentral portion of a front surface 101A of the first casing 101. Asecond touch screen 105 of the same shape and size as the first touchscreen 104 is provided at the central portion of a front surface 102A ofthe second casing 102.

The first touch screen 104 and the second touch screen 105 are each adisplay device allowing a touch operation with a user's finger (a pen orthe like may be also used). In the portable terminal 100, for example,the first touch screen 104 and the second touch screen 105 are used bythe user as an upper screen and a lower screen, respectively.

Various hardware buttons are provided on both sides of the second touchscreen 105.

1-3. Hardware Configuration of Portable Terminal

Next, referring to FIG. 3, the hardware configuration of the portableterminal 100 will be described. In the portable terminal 100, a CPU 120,a ROM 121, and a RAM 122 are connected via a host bus 123. Incidentally,the term CPU is an abbreviation of Central Processing Unit. In addition,the term ROM is an abbreviation of Read Only Memory, and the term RAM isan abbreviation of Random Access Memory.

The portable terminal 100 is configured to execute various kinds ofprocessing as the CPU 120 loads various programs such as a basic program(OS) and applications (apps) written in the ROM 121 or the like into theRAM 122 and executes these programs. Incidentally, the term OS is anabbreviation of Operating System. In addition, an application refers toa piece of software that realizes a function in the portable terminal100.

The host bus 123 is connected to an external bus 125 via a bridge 124.The external bus 125 is connected to an operating section 127, a firstliquid crystal panel 104A, a first touch panel 104B, a second liquidcrystal panel 105A, and a second touch panel 105B via an interface 126.The external bus 125 is also connected to a storage section 128, a drive129, a connection port 130, and a wireless communication section 131 viathe interface 126.

The CPU 120 is configured to control individual sections in response toinput signals from the first touch panel 104B, the second touch panel105B, and the operating section 127 which are sequentially sent via theinterface 126, the external bus 125, and the host bus 123.

The first touch panel 104B is a device constituting the first touchscreen 104 described above together with the first liquid crystal panel104A. The second touch panel 105B is a device constituting the secondtouch screen 105 described above together with the second liquid crystalpanel 105A.

When an arbitrary position on the first touch panel 104B is touched witha finger, the first touch panel 104B detects the coordinates of thetouched position (i.e., the touch position), and sends an input signalindicating the coordinates of this touch position to the CPU 120.

Upon acquiring the coordinates of the touch position from the inputsignal sent from the first touch panel 104B, the CPU 120 translates thecoordinates into screen coordinates of the first liquid crystal panel104A, thereby recognizing which position on the screen of the firstliquid crystal panel 104A has been touched.

Then, by sequentially translating the coordinates of the touch positionacquired from an input signal sent every predetermined period of timeinto screen coordinates of the first liquid crystal panel 104A, the CPU120 recognizes how the touch position has moved (i.e., the trajectory ofthe touch position).

Then, on the basis of the touch position and its trajectory recognizedin this way, the CPU 120 is configured to determine what kind of touchoperation has been made to which position on the screen of the firstliquid crystal panel 104A.

Likewise, the second touch panel 105B also sends an input signalindicating the coordinates of a detected touch position to the CPU 120.From the input signal, the CPU 120 is configured to determine what kindof touch operation has been made to which position on the screen of thesecond liquid crystal panel 105A.

The operating section 127 is a device made up of various hardwarebuttons, and sends an input signal responsive to an operation on each ofthese hardware buttons to the CPU 120. The CPU 120 is configured todetermine which hardware button has been operated, on the basis of suchan input signal sent from the operating section 127.

In addition, the CPU 120 is configured to directly communicate with anearby external apparatus OC through inter-equipment communication withthe external apparatus OC via the connecting port 130.

In addition, the CPU 120 is configured to communicate with anotherapparatus such as a server on the Internet NT, by connecting to theInternet NT via an access point by the wireless communication section130.

In addition, when the CPU 120 acquires, for example, content data(moving image data, music data, and the like) as a result ofcommunication with another apparatus via the connecting port 130 or thewireless communication section 131, the CPU 120 stores this content datainto the storage section 128. It should be noted that when a removablerecording medium RW (for example, an optical disc or a flash memory) isinserted in the drive 129, the CPU 120 is configured to store contentdata onto the removable recording medium RW in response to a user'soperation.

1-4. Home Screen

Next, a description will be given of a home screen which is one ofscreens of the portable terminal 100. The home screen is a GUI(Graphical User Interface) screen displayed by a display controlperformed by the CPU 120.

When a power button (not shown) is depressed and the power of theportable terminal 100 is turned on, as shown in FIG. 4, the CPU 120causes a first home screen Hg1 to be displayed on the first liquidcrystal panel 104A as a home screen. At the same time, the CPU 120causes a second home screen Hg2 to be displayed on the second liquidcrystal panel 105A as a home screen.

The first home screen Hg1 includes a region R1 of a laterally elongatednarrow strip-like shape placed along the top side of the screen, and aregion R2 other than the region R1. In the region R1, for example, iconsHi (Hi1 to Hi3) indicating apps which are set to display new arrivalsicons Ni described later, icons indicating states of the portableterminal 100 (such as the remaining battery charge, the field strengthof wireless communication, and the like), and the like are displayed. Onthe other hand, in the region R2, a window corresponding to thecurrently active app, icons corresponding to widgets (for example,widgets having a clock function and calendar function) are displayed.

A second home screen Hg2 includes a region R3 of a longitudinallyelongated narrow stripe-like shape placed along the right side of thescreen, and a region R4 other than the region R3. In the region R3, apop-up type overview icon Gi (described later) and the like aredisplayed.

In the region R4, a plurality of app icons Ai (Ai1 to Ain) foractivating predetermined apps (i.e., sets of processing instructions)are displayed in matrix arrangement. The name of an app corresponding toeach app icon Ai is displayed under the corresponding app icon Ai.

On the second home screen Hg2 shown in FIG. 4, for example, an app iconAi1 for activating an app having a moving image (i.e., video) purchaseand download function (hereinafter, this will be also referred to asvideo purchase app) is displayed at the top left. An app icon Ai2 foractivating an RSS (RDF Site Summary/Rich Site Summary) reader isdisplayed on the right next to the app icon Ai1. An app icon Ai3 foractivating an email app is displayed on the right next to the app iconAi2.

When a tap operation (an operation of touching the touch panel with afinger and then immediately releasing the finger) is performed on an appicon Ai by the user via the second touch panel 105B, the CPU 120recognizes that the app icon Ai has been selected.

Then, the CPU 120 activates an app corresponding to the app icon Ai, anddisplays the top screen (the screen normally set to be displayedinitially) of the app instead of the home screen. Hereinafter, suchactivation of an app will be also referred to as activation of an appunder normal setting.

On the second home screen Hg2, upon acquisition of newly arrivedinformation in individual apps (i.e., a change in status), new arrivalsicons Ni (Ni1 to Nin) each indicating the number of newly arrivedinformation are displayed. Each of the new arrivals icons Ni is the samepop-up type icon as the overview icon Gi, and is displayed on the upperright of the corresponding app icon Ai in such a way that the newarrivals icon Ni partially overlaps the app icon Ai.

For example, displayed on the upper right of the app icon Ai1 foractivating a video purchase app is a new arrivals icon Ni1 indicating,as the number of newly arrived information, the total number of newlyarrived videos that can be purchased through the video purchase app.

Displayed on the upper right of the app icon Ai2 for activating an RSSreader is a new arrivals icon Ni2 indicating, as the number of newlyarrived information, the total number of Web site update information setin the RSS reader in advance.

Displayed on the upper right of the app icon Ai3 for activating an emailapp is a new arrivals icon Ni3 indicating, as the number of newlyarrived information, the total number of newly arrived emails addressedto the portable terminal 100.

Now, suppose that a tap operation is performed on, for example, the newarrivals icon Ni3 (corresponding to an email app) via the second touchpanel 105B. Then, the CPU 120 recognizes that the new arrivals icon Ni3has been selected and, as shown in FIG. 5, changes the color of the newarrivals icon Ni3 and also displays the new arrivals icon Ni3 in onesize larger than previously displayed.

At this time, the CPU 120 does not activate the email app correspondingto the new arrivals icon Ni3 but activates a program for displayinginformation showing an overview of newly arrived information in each app(this will be also referred to as new arrivals overview information). Itshould be noted that this program will be also referred to as newarrivals overview display program. Then, the CPU 120 displays a window(this will be also referred to as new arrivals overview window) Nw fordisplaying new arrivals overview information for each app, on theentirety of the region R2 of the first home screen Hg1.

In should be noted that this function of displaying new arrivalsoverview information for each app may be a function included in the OSof the portable terminal 100, for example. Also, for example, a programhaving this function may be installed into the portable terminal 100 tothereby realize the function.

The new arrivals overview window Nw includes a region R5 of a laterallyelongated narrow strip-like shape placed along the bottom side of thenew arrivals overview window Nw, and a region R6 other than the regionR5. Displayed in the region R5 is a Close button Bc for terminating theactivation of the new arrivals overview display program and closing thenew arrivals overview window Nw. Also displayed in the region R5 is aChecked button Bn for setting new arrivals overview information ashaving been already checked by the user. This Checked button Bn will bedescribed later in detail.

Displayed in the region R6 is new arrivals overview informationhierarchically structured on an app-by-app basis. This new arrivalsoverview information includes, for example, upper-level rows Lu (Lu1 toLu3) each indicating the kind, total number, and the like of newlyarrived information in each app as the upper level, and lower-level rowsLd (Ld1 to Ld3) each indicating the details of new arrivals overviewinformation in each app as the lower level. The upper-level rows Lu andthe lower-level rows Ld have a laterally elongated narrow strip-likeshape. In the region R6, a number of upper-level rows Lu and lower-levelrows Ld that can be displayed within the region R6 are displayed.

Specifically, the CPU 120 displays at the top of the region R6 anupper-level row Lu1 for an app (email app in this example) correspondingto the new arrivals icon Ni3 that has been selected. In this upper-levelrow Lu1, the name of the email app, the total number of newly arrivedemails, the total number of unread emails, the date and time ofacquisition of newly arrived emails, and the like are displayed. Itshould be noted that unread emails refer to those emails which have beenchecked by the user as newly arrived emails (i.e., set by the user ashaving been already checked with the Checked button Bn) but have not yetbeen read on the email app.

The CPU 120 displays, under the upper-level row Lu1 for the email app, alower-level row Ld1 for an app (i.e., email app) corresponding to theselected new arrivals icon Ni. In this lower-level row Ld1, folder rowsLf (Lf1 to Lf4) each indicating the number of newly arrived emails andthe number of unread emails for every folder set in the email app aredisplayed. It should be noted that in this case, received emails aredistributed over individual folders (for example, folders for individualsenders or the like) in the email app.

The CPU 120 displays an upper-level row Lu2 for the RSS reader under thelower-level row Ld1 for the email app. In this upper-level row Lu2, thetotal number of update information, the total number of unreadinformation, the date and time of acquisition of update information, andthe like for a Web site set in the RSS reader are displayed. This unreadinformation refers to information that has been checked by the user asupdate information (i.e., set by the user as having been already checkedwith the Checked button Bn) but has not yet been read by the RSS reader.

The CPU 120 displays an upper-level row Lu3 for the video purchase appunder the upper-level row Lu2 for the RSS reader. In this upper-levelrow Lu3, the name of the video purchase app, the total number of newlyarrived videos that can be purchased through the video purchase app, thedate and time of acquisition of newly arrived video information, and thelike are displayed.

It should be noted that at this time, no lower-level rows Ld aredisplayed for apps (the video purchase app and the RSS reader in thisexample) corresponding to unselected new arrivals icons Ni.

In this way, when a new arrivals icon Ni is selected, the CPU 120displays the new arrivals overview window Nw to display upper-level rowsLu for a plurality of apps, thereby allowing the user to check newarrivals overview information for the plurality of apps at once.

In addition, the CPU 120 displays a lower-level row Ld for an appcorresponding to the selected new arrivals icon Ni in this way, therebyallowing the user to check the details of new arrivals overviewinformation for the app.

Now, suppose that, for example, a tap operation is performed on the newarrivals icon Ni2 corresponding to the RSS reader in a state with thenew arrivals overview window Nw displayed in this way. Then, the CPU 120recognizes that the new arrivals icon Ni2 has been selected and, asshown in FIG. 6, changes the color of the new arrivals icon Ni2 and alsodisplays the new arrivals icon Ni2 in one size larger than previouslydisplayed. In addition, the CPU 120 deselects the new arrivals icon Ni3that has been selected up to then, and displays the new arrivals iconNi3 after returning its color and size to the original.

At this time, the CPU 120 closes the lower-level row Ld1 for an app(email app in this example) corresponding to the new arrivals icon Ni3that has been deselected. Then, the CPU 120 causes the upper-level rowsLu (Lu1 to Lu3) to be scrolled from bottom to top so that theupper-level row Lu2 for an app (RSS reader in this example)corresponding to the selected new arrivals icon Ni2 comes at the top ofthe region R6.

Then, the CPU 120 displays the lower-level row Ld2 for the RSS readerimmediately under the upper-level row Lu2 for the RSS reader. Displayedin this lower-level row Ld2 are Web site rows Lw (Lw1 to Lw4) eachindicating the number of update information and the number of unreadinformation for each Web site set in the RSS reader.

In this way, when the new arrivals icon Ni2 corresponding to the RSSreader is selected, the portable terminal 100 displays the lower-levelrow Ld2 for the RSS reader on the new arrivals overview window Nw. Thus,the portable terminal 100 allows the user to check the details of newarrivals overview information for the RSS reader.

Now, suppose that in a state with the new arrivals overview window Nwdisplayed in this way, further, a tap operation is performed on the newarrivals icon Ni1 corresponding to the video purchase app. Then, the CPU120 recognizes that the new arrivals icon Ni1 has been selected, anddeselects the new arrivals icon Ni2 that has been selected up to then.

Then, as shown in FIG. 7, the CPU 120 closes the lower-level row Ld2 forthe RSS reader corresponding to the new arrivals icon Ni2 that has beendeselected. Then, the CPU 120 causes the upper-level rows Lu to bescrolled from bottom to top so that the upper-level row Lu3 for thevideo purchase app corresponding to the selected new arrivals icon Ni1comes at the top of the region R6.

Then, the CPU 120 displays the lower-level row Ld3 for the videopurchase app immediately under the upper-level row Lu3 for the videopurchase app. In this lower-level row Ld3, as new arrivals overviewinformation for the video purchase app, jacket photograph images Vp (Vp1to Vpn) of individual newly arrived videos in the video purchase app aredisplayed in matrix arrangement.

In this way, when the new arrivals icon Ni1 corresponding to the videopurchase app is selected, the portable terminal 100 displays thelower-level row Ld3 for the video purchase app on the new arrivalsoverview window Nw. Thus, the portable terminal 100 allows the user tocheck the details of new arrivals overview information for the videopurchase app.

It should be noted that as for the jacket photograph images Vp, a numberof jacket photograph images Vp that can be displayed within thelower-level row Ld3 are displayed. When a drag operation is performed onthis lower-level row Ld3 in the up/down direction via the first touchpanel 104B, the CPU 120 causes the jacket photograph images Vp to bescrolled in response to the drag operation. Incidentally, a dragoperation refers to an operation of moving a finger while keeping thefinger touching the touch panel.

Suppose that a double tap operation (operation of performing a tap twicesuccessively) on an arbitrary jacket photograph image Vp is performedvia the first touch panel 104B. Then, the CPU 120 recognizes that thejacket photograph image Vp has been selected, and activates the videopurchase app.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 8, the CPU 120 displays not the topscreen of the video purchase app but a sales page screen Sg for thevideo indicated by the selected jacket photograph image Vp on the firstliquid crystal panel 104A. At the same time, the CPU 120 displays a listscreen Vg showing a list of the title names, sales prices, and the likeof newly arrived videos on the second liquid crystal panel 105A.

That is, when a jacket photograph image Vp in the lower-level row Ld3 isselected, the CPU 120 activates the video purchase app. At this time,the CPU 120 initially displays not the top screen of the video purchaseapp but a screen showing various information related to newly arrivedvideos.

It should be noted that likewise, when a double tap operation isperformed on an arbitrary folder row Lf (FIG. 5) in the lower-level rowLd1 for the email app, the CPU 120 recognizes that the folder row Lf hasbeen selected, and activates the email app. At this time, the CPU 120initially displays not the top screen of the email app but a screenshowing a list of newly arrived emails stored in the foldercorresponding to the selected folder row Lf.

Likewise, when a double tap operation is performed on an arbitrary Website row Lw (FIG. 6) in the lower-level row Ld2 for the RSS reader, theCPU 120 recognizes that the Web site row Lw has been selected, andactivates the RSS reader. At this time, the CPU 120 initially displaysnot the top screen of the RSS reader but a screen showing a list ofnewly arrived information for the Web site corresponding to the selectedWeb site row Lw.

In this way, when a lower-level row Ld on the new arrivals overviewwindow Nw is selected, unlike the activation of an app under normalsetting described above, the CPU 120 activates an app under a settingthat initially displays a screen showing information related to newlyarrived information.

Incidentally, when an upper-level row Lu on the new arrivals overviewwindow Nw is selected by a double tap operation, if a lower-level row Ldfor an app corresponding to the upper-level row Lu is not displayed, theCPU 120 is configured to display the lower-level row Ld.

In addition, when a drag operation in the up/down direction is performedon the new arrivals overview window Nw, the CPU 120 is configured toscroll through upper-level rows Lu and lower-level rows Ld on the newarrivals overview window Nw in response to the drag operation.

In addition, when the new arrivals overview window Nw is beingdisplayed, the CPU 120 is configured to display the overview icon Gi(FIG. 5) described above while changing its color. Then, the CPU 120 isconfigured to close the new arrivals overview window Nw when a tapoperation is performed on the overview icon Gi whose color has changed.

Incidentally, the CPU 120 is configured to hold a new arrivals overviewinformation database for managing new arrivals overview information foreach of the apps described above by storing the new arrivals overviewinformation database in the storage section 128. New arrivals overviewinformation is registered in this new arrivals overview informationdatabase for each app.

The CPU 120 is configured to read the total number of newly arrivedinformation from the new arrivals overview information database fordisplay in the form of the new arrivals icon Ni, or to read new arrivalsoverview information from the new arrivals overview information databasefor display in the form of the new arrivals overview window Nw.

When a tap operation is performed on the Checked button Bn (FIG. 5) onthe new arrivals overview window Nw, the CPU 120 recognizes that theuser has checked new arrivals overview information for an app (email appin FIG. 5) corresponding to the currently selected new arrivals icon Ni.

Then, the CPU 120 sets the new arrivals overview information for the appas having been already checked by the user, and deletes the new arrivalsoverview information for the app from the new arrivals overviewinformation database. At the same time, the CPU 120 is configured tomake the new arrivals icon Ni corresponding to the app invisible.

It should be noted that when newly arrived information is checked by theuser on the currently active app, the CPU 120 is configured to set thenewly arrived information as having been already checked by the user,and update the total number of newly arrived information or the likeregistered in the new arrivals overview information database.

Incidentally, the CPU 120 of the portable terminal 100 is the hardwareimplementing the function of the control section 2 of the informationprocessing apparatus 1 described in the overview. In addition, the firstliquid crystal panel 104A of the portable terminal 100 is the hardwareimplementing the function of the second display section 5 of theinformation processing apparatus 1. Further, the second liquid crystalpanel 105A of the portable terminal 100 is the hardware implementing thefunction of the first display section 3 of the information processingapparatus 1. Furthermore, the second touch panel 105B of the portableterminal 100 is the hardware implementing the function of the inputsection 4 of the information processing apparatus 1.

In addition, the app icon Ai is the icon corresponding to the first icondescribed in the overview, and the new arrivals icon Ni is the iconcorresponding to the second icon described in the overview.

1-5. Operation Procedure

As described above, the portable terminal 100 is configured to displayan app icon Ai for activating a predetermined app, and a new arrivalsicon Ni indicating the total number of newly arrived information for theapp. Then, when the new arrivals icon Ni is selected, the portableterminal 100 is configured to display the new arrivals overview windowNw showing new arrivals overview information for the app.

Hereinbelow, a detailed description will be given of an operationprocedure for the series of processing related to a new arrivals icon Nidescribed above.

[1-5-1. New Arrivals Overview Information Registration Procedure]

First, a description will be given of the operation procedure when theportable terminal 100 registers new arrivals overview information foreach app into the new arrivals overview information database (this willbe also referred to as new arrivals overview information registrationprocedure).

This new arrivals overview information registration procedure is aprocedure executed by the CPU 120 in accordance with a program writtenin the ROM 121 or the storage section 128.

A new arrivals overview information registration procedure RT1 isexecuted on an app-by-app basis for every app that is set to display anew arrivals icon Ni. Hereinbelow, for example, the new arrivalsoverview information registration procedure RT1 for an email app will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 9.

The CPU 120 starts the new arrivals overview information registrationprocedure RT1 when the power of the portable terminal 100 is turned on,for example, and then transfers to step SP1.

In step SP1, the CPU 120 performs a process of executing an email app inthe background, and transfers to the next step SP2. Unlike the processof activating an email app under normal setting described above, thisprocess of executing an email app in the background is configured sothat a GUI screen such as the top screen of the email app is notdisplayed.

In step SP2, the CPU 120 executes a process of acquiring newly arrivedinformation (i.e., newly arrived emails) for the email app.

Specifically, the CPU 120 transmits to an email server (not shown) onthe network an acquisition request for acquiring newly arrived emailsaddressed to the portable terminal 100, via the wireless communicationsection 131. As a result, the CPU 120 receives newly arrived emailsaddressed to the portable terminal 100 via the wireless communicationsection 131.

In step SP3, the CPU 120 determines whether or not to notify the user ofnew arrivals overview information for the email app. For example, atthis time, if newly arrived emails have not been successfully receivedvia the wireless communication section 131, the CPU 120 determines notto notify the user of new arrivals overview information for the emailapp.

If a positive result is obtained in this step SP3, then the CPU 120transfers to the next step SP4.

In step SP4, the CPU 120 acquires the total number of newly arrivedemails. Specifically, if new arrivals overview information for the emailapp is currently registered in the new arrivals overview informationdatabase (i.e., if the new arrivals overview information has not beendeleted with the Checked button Bn or the like), the CPU 120 reads theregistered total number of newly arrived emails. Then, the CPU 120acquires the sum of the registered total number of newly arrived emailsand the number of newly arrived emails received at this time, as thetotal number of newly arrived emails.

It should be noted that if new arrivals overview information for theemail app is not registered in the new arrivals overview informationdatabase, the CPU 120 acquires the number of newly arrived emailsreceived at this time as the total number of newly arrived emails.

In addition, the CPU 120 acquires the total number of unread emails inthe email app, and the numbers of newly arrived emails and unread emailsfor each individual folder set in the email app. At this time, the CPU120 also acquires the current date and time (i.e., the date and time ofacquisition of newly arrived emails) from a timing section (not shown)such as a timer.

Then, the CPU 120 sets the total number of newly arrived emails, thetotal number of unread emails, the numbers of newly arrived emails andunread emails for each individual folder, the date and time ofacquisition of newly arrived emails, and the like thus acquired, as newarrivals overview information for the email app. Then, the CPU 120registers the new arrivals overview information into the new arrivalsoverview information database held in the storage section 128, andtransfers to the next step SP5.

On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step SP3 as aresult of not notifying the user of new arrivals overview informationfor the email app, at this time, the CPU 120 does not register the newarrivals overview information into the new arrivals overview informationdatabase, and transfers to the next step SP5.

In step SP5, the CPU 120 determines whether or not to terminate theexecution of the email app in the background. For example, the CPU 120is configured to determine to terminate the execution of the email appin the background in cases such as when an instruction for operation inthe power saving mode is given by the user via the first touch panel104B or the second touch panel 105B.

If a negative result is obtained in this step SP5, at this time, the CPU120 returns to step SP2, and executes a process of acquiring newlyarrived emails again. It should be noted that in the case of a settingthat executes a process of acquiring newly arrived emails at an intervalof predetermined time (for example, an hour or the like) in the emailapp, the CPU 120 may execute the process in step SP2 in accordance withthis interval.

On the other hand, if a positive result is obtained in step SP5, at thistime, the CPU 120 transfers to the next step SP6. In step SP6, the CPU120 executes a process of terminating the email app to end this newarrivals overview information registration procedure RT1.

Next, a description will be given of a new arrivals overview informationregistration procedure for a video purchase app. Since this procedure issubstantially the same as the new arrivals overview informationregistration procedure RT1 described above, specific description of theprocedure will be omitted.

Upon starting this new arrivals overview information registrationprocedure, in steps SP1 and SP2 described above, the CPU 120 executes avideo purchase app in the background, and executes a process ofacquiring newly arrived information (information about newly arrivedvideos) for the video purchase app.

Specifically, the CPU 120 transmits an acquisition request for acquiringinformation about newly arrived videos to a video purchase app server(not shown) that provides various data corresponding to the videopurchase app, via the wireless communication section 131. As a result,the CPU 120 receives the information about newly arrived videos via thewireless communication section 131. This information about newly arrivedvideos includes the title names, jacket photograph images Vp, and thelike of newly arrived videos.

Then, in step SP4 described above, the CPU 120 registers the totalnumber of newly arrived videos, the file names of the jacket photographimages Vp of newly arrived videos, and the like, into the new arrivalsoverview information database as new arrivals overview information forthe video purchase app.

Next, a description will be given of a new arrivals overview informationregistration procedure for an RSS reader. Since this procedure is alsosubstantially the same as the new arrivals overview informationregistration procedure RT1 described above, specific description of theprocedure will be omitted.

Upon starting this new arrivals overview information registrationprocedure, in steps SP1 and SP2 described above, the CPU 120 executes anRSS reader in the background, and executes a process of acquiring newlyarrived information (Web site update information) for the RSS reader.

Specifically, the CPU 120 transmits, to an RSS distribution server (notshown) that distributes update information for each preset Web site inthe RSS format, an acquisition request for acquiring the updateinformation, via the wireless communication section 131. As a result,the CPU 120 receives the update information via the wirelesscommunication section 131.

Then, in step SP4 described above, the CPU 120 registers the totalnumber of update information, the total number of unread information,the number of update information and the number of unread informationfor each individual Web site, and the like, into the new arrivalsoverview information database as new arrivals overview information forthe RSS reader.

Through the new arrivals overview information registration procedure asdescribed above, the portable terminal 100 is configured to acquire newarrivals overview information for each app, and registers this newarrivals overview information into the new arrivals overview informationdatabase.

It should be noted that as for the process of acquiring newly arrivedinformation for each app in step SP2 described above, the CPU 120 mayexecute this process in accordance with the frequency of acquisition ofnewly arrived information which is set in each app. For example, if theprocess of acquiring update information is set to be executed at aninterval of predetermined time (for example, one hour) in the RSSreader, the CPU 120 may execute the process in step SP2 in accordancewith the interval.

As for the process of determining whether or not to notify the user ofnew arrivals overview information in step SP3 described above, the CPU120 may make this determination in accordance with determinationcriteria unique to individual apps.

As for the process of determining whether or not to terminate executionof an app in step SP5 described above, the CPU 120 may change thedetermination in accordance with the frequency of update of newlyarrived information in each app. For example, with respect to an app forwhich the frequency of update of newly arrived information is equal to apredetermined period of time or more, the CPU 120 may determine toterminate execution of the app in step SP5 at all times.

[1-5-2. New Arrivals Icon Display Procedure]

Next, a description will be given of the operation procedure when theportable terminal 100 displays a new arrivals icon Ni (this will be alsoreferred to as new arrivals icon display procedure).

This new arrivals icon display procedure is a procedure executed by theCPU 120 in accordance with a program written in the ROM 121 or thestorage section 128.

This new arrivals icon display procedure is executed for every newarrivals icon Ni corresponding to each app. Hereinbelow, for example, anew arrivals icon display procedure RT2 for the new arrivals icon Ni3(FIG. 4) corresponding to an email app will be described with referenceto FIG. 10.

When the CPU 120 is instructed to display the second home screen Hg2upon turning-on of the power of the portable terminal 100, the CPU 120starts the new arrivals icon display procedure RT2, and transfers tostep SP10.

In step SP10, the CPU 120 inquires the new arrivals overview informationdatabase held in the storage section 128 for the total number of newlyarrived information (i.e., newly arrived emails) for the email app, andtransfers to the next step SP11.

In step SP11, the CPU 120 determines whether or not the total number ofnewly arrived information for the email app is registered in the newarrivals overview information database.

If a negative result is obtained in step SP11, this means that newarrivals overview information for the email app is not to be notified.At this time, the CPU 120 transfers to step SP12.

In step SP12, the CPU 120 does not display the new arrivals icon Ni3,and after waiting for a predetermined period of time (for example, aboutseveral seconds), returns to step SP10, and inquires the new arrivalsoverview information database for the total number of newly arrivedinformation for the email app again.

On the other hand, if a positive result is obtained in step SP11, thismeans that new arrivals overview information for the email app is to benotified. At this time, the CPU 120 transfers to the next step SP13.

In step SP13, the CPU 120 displays the new arrivals icon Ni3, whichindicates the total number of newly arrived information for the emailapp, on the upper right of the app icon Ai3 corresponding to the emailapp, and transfers to the next step SP14.

In step SP14, the CPU 120 waits for a predetermined period of time (forexample, about several seconds) while keeping the new arrivals icon Ni3displayed, and transfers to the next step SP15.

In step SP15, the CPU 120 inquires the new arrivals overview informationdatabase for the total number of newly arrived information for the emailapp again, and transfers to the next step SP16.

In step SP16, the CPU 120 determines whether or not the total number ofnewly arrived information for the email app is registered in the newarrivals overview information database.

If a positive result is obtained in step SP16, this means that newarrivals overview information for the email app is to be notified. Atthis time, the CPU 120 transfers to the next step SP17.

In step SP17, the CPU 120 determines whether or not the total number ofnewly arrived information has been updated. That is, the CPU 120determines whether or not the total number of newly arrived informationcurrently displayed as the new arrivals icon Ni3 differs from the totalnumber of newly arrived information registered in the new arrivalsoverview information database.

If a positive result is obtained in this step SP17, the CPU 120transfers to step SP18. In step SP18, the CPU 120 updates the currentlydisplayed new arrivals icon Ni3 so as to indicate the total number ofnewly arrived information registered in the new arrivals overviewinformation database, and returns to step SP14.

On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step SP17 as aresult of the total number of newly arrived information not having beenupdated, at this time, the CPU 120 returns to step SP14 while keepingthe currently displayed new arrivals icon Ni3 displayed.

If a negative result is obtained in step SP16, this means that newarrivals overview information for the email app is not to be notified.At this time, the CPU 120 transfers to step SP19.

In step SP19, the CPU 120 makes the new arrivals icon Ni3 invisible, andtransfers to the next step SP20.

In step SP20, the CPU 120 waits for a predetermined period of time (forexample, about several seconds), and returns to step SP10.

Through the new arrivals icon display procedure RT2 described above, theportable terminal 100 is configured to display the new arrivals icon Ni3indicating the total number of newly arrived information for the emailapp.

It should be noted that since the new arrivals icon display proceduresfor the new arrivals icon Ni1 corresponding to the video purchase appand the new arrivals icon Ni2 corresponding to the RSS reader aresubstantially the same as the new arrivals icon display procedure RT2described above, description thereof is omitted.

The predetermined period of wait time in each of steps SP12, SP14, SP18,and SP20 described above may be, for example, about several minutes, ormay be varied in accordance with, for example, the frequency of updateof newly arrived information in each app.

[1-5-3. Icon Selection Procedure]

Next, a description will be given of an operation procedure RT3 of theportable terminal 100 when an app icon Ai or new arrivals icon Ni isselected (this will be also referred to as icon selection procedure).

This icon selection procedure RT3 is a procedure executed by the CPU 120in accordance with a program written in the ROM 121 or the storagesection 128.

Upon displaying the second home screen Hg2, for example, the CPU 120starts the icon selection procedure RT3, and transfers to step SP21.

In step SP21, the CPU 120 determines whether or not an app icon Ai hasbeen selected via the second touch panel 105B.

If a positive result is obtained in this step SP21, at this time, theCPU 120 transfers to the next step SP22. In step SP22, the CPU 120activates an app corresponding to the selected app icon Ai under normalsetting (i.e., initially displays the top screen of the app), and endsthis icon selection procedure RT3.

On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in this step SP21,the CPU 120 transfers to the next step SP23. In step SP23, the CPU 120determines whether or not a new arrivals icon Ni is displayed on thesecond home screen Hg2.

If a negative result is obtained in this step SP23, at this time, theCPU 120 returns to step SP21, and determines again whether or not an appicon Ai has been selected.

On the other hand, if a positive result is obtained in step SP23, atthis time, the CPU 120 transfers to step SP24.

In step SP24, the CPU 120 determines whether or not a new arrivals iconNi has been selected via the second touch panel 105B.

If a negative result is obtained in this step SP24, this means thatneither an app icon Ai nor a new arrivals icon Ni has been selected. Atthis time, the CPU 120 returns to step SP21. Then, the CPU 120 repeatssteps SP21, SP23, and SP24 until either an app icon Ai or a new arrivalsicon Ni is selected.

On the other hand, if a positive result is obtained in step SP24, theCPU 120 transfers to the next step SP25. In step SP25, the CPU 120determines whether or not the new arrivals overview window Nw hasalready been displayed on the first liquid crystal panel 104A. That is,the CPU 120 determines whether or not the new arrivals overview displayprogram is currently active.

If a negative result is obtained in this step SP25, at this time, theCPU 120 transfers to the next step SP26.

In step SP26, the CPU 120 activates the new arrivals overview displayprogram, and generates the new arrivals overview window Nw on the basisof new arrivals overview information registered in the new arrivalsoverview information database. Then, the CPU 120 displays the newarrivals overview window Nw on the first liquid crystal panel 104A, andtransfers to the next step SP27.

On the other hand, if a positive result is obtained in step SP25, theCPU 120 transfers to the next step SP27 while keeping the new arrivalsoverview window Nw displayed.

In step SP27, the CPU 120 moves the upper-level row Lu for an appcorresponding to the selected new arrivals icon Ni to the top of the newarrivals overview window Nw for display. At the same time, the CPU 120displays the lower-level row Ld for the app corresponding to theselected new arrivals icon Ni, and also makes lower-level rows Ld forapps other than this app invisible and then returns to step SP21.

Through the icon selection procedure RT3 described above, when an appicon Ai or new arrivals icon Ni is selected via the second touch panel105B, the portable terminal 100 is configured to execute processingcorresponding to each of these icons.

1-6. Operation and Effect

According to the above-mentioned configuration, upon acquiring newlyarrived information for a predetermined app, the CPU 120 of the portableterminal 100 is configured to register information showing an overviewof the newly arrived information (i.e., new arrivals overviewinformation) into the new arrivals overview information database.

Then, when instructed to display the home screen, the CPU 120 isconfigured to display an app icon Ai for activating a predetermined appon the second liquid crystal panel 105A.

In addition, when newly arrived information has been acquired in theapp, the CPU 120 is configured to read the total number of the newlyarrived information from the new arrivals overview information database,and display a new arrivals icon Ni indicating this total number on thesecond liquid crystal panel 105A so as to partially overlap the app iconAi.

Thus, the portable terminal 100 can notify the user that newly arrivedinformation has been acquired in the app, as a state change in the app.

In addition, by registering new arrivals overview information for an appin the new arrivals overview information database in this way, theportable terminal 100 can display the new arrivals icon Ni even when theapp is not being executed in the background, thereby making it possibleto notify the user that newly arrived information has been acquired.

Then, when the new arrivals icon Ni is selected by the user via thesecond touch panel 105B, the CPU 120 is configured to activate the newarrivals overview display program for displaying new arrivals overviewinformation corresponding to the app. Then, the CPU 120 is configured toread new arrivals overview information for the app from the new arrivalsoverview information database, and display the new arrivals overviewwindow Nw showing this new arrivals overview information on the firstliquid crystal panel 104A.

Thus, the portable terminal 100 allows the user to check an overview ofnewly arrived information for the app by merely making the user performa simple operation of selecting the new arrivals icon Ni via the secondtouch panel 105B.

In addition, when the lower-level row Ld indicating new arrivalsoverview information for the app is selected via the second touch panel105B, the CPU 120 is configured to activate the app, and initiallydisplay a screen showing various information related to newly arrivedinformation in the app.

Thus, by merely making the user perform a simple operation of selectingthe lower-level row Ld via the second touch panel 105B, the portableterminal 100 allows the user to activate the app and also check detailsabout newly arrived information in the app.

In addition, the CPU 120 is configured to display app icons Ai and newarrivals icons Ni for a plurality of apps on the second liquid crystalpanel 105A. Then, when a new arrivals icon Ni is selected via the secondtouch panel 105B, the CPU 120 is configured to activate the new arrivalsoverview display program for displaying new arrivals overviewinformation for the plurality of apps, and display the new arrivalsoverview window Nw on the first liquid crystal panel 104A.

Thus, the portable terminal 100 can display new arrivals overviewinformation for a plurality of apps by merely activating the newarrivals overview display program, even without activating the pluralityof apps. Therefore, the portable terminal 100 allows the user to checknew arrivals overview information for a plurality of apps, withoutmaking the user wait for activation of the plurality of apps.

In addition, since the CPU 120 is configured to display the app icons Aiand the new arrivals icons Ni, and the new arrivals overview window Nwon different screens in this way, it is possible to prevent the appicons Ai and the new arrivals icons Ni from being hidden by the newarrivals overview window Nw.

Thus, the portable terminal 100 can notify the user which new arrivalsicon Ni is currently selected. Thus, the portable terminal 100 alsoallows the user to select an app icon Ai without performing an operationof closing the new arrivals overview window Nw.

According to the above-described configuration, the portable terminal100 displays an app icon Ai for activating a predetermined app on thesecond liquid crystal panel 105A. In addition, upon detecting that newlyarrived information has been acquired in the app, the portable terminal100 is configured to display on the second liquid crystal panel 105A anew arrivals icon Ni for indicating the total number of the newlyarrived information and displaying new arrivals overview information forthe app.

Thus, the portable terminal 100 can notify the user that newly arrivedinformation has been acquired in the app, and also allows the user tocheck the new arrivals overview information by merely making the userperform a simple operation of selecting the new arrivals icon Ni via thesecond liquid crystal panel 105A. In this way, the portable terminal 100can improve the ease of operation when making the user check the newarrivals overview information.

2. Second Embodiment 2-1. Overview of Second Embodiment

Next, a second embodiment will be described. After describing thisoverview, the description will move on to a specific example of thisembodiment.

In FIG. 12, reference numeral 10 denotes an information processingapparatus according to the second embodiment. The information processingapparatus 10 has a control section 11. The control section 11 maycomprise a controller, such as a computer, processor and memory, etc.The control section 11 is configured to display on a display section 12a first icon for activating a predetermined application.

In addition, upon detecting a state change in the application, thecontrol section 11 is configured to display on the display section 12 asecond icon for indicating the state change and also displayinginformation related to the state change.

Further, when the second icon is selected via an input section 13, thecontrol section 11 is configured to display information related to thestate change while keeping the first icon and the second icon displayed.

A specific example of the information processing apparatus 10 configuredas described above will be described in detail below.

2-2. Exterior Configuration of Portable Terminal

Next, referring to FIG. 13, a description will be given of the exteriorconfiguration of a portable terminal 200 representing a specific exampleof the information processing apparatus 10 described above.

The portable terminal 200 has a casing 201 having a substantially flatrectangular shape of such a size that allows it to be held in one hand.

A touch screen 202 having a rectangular shape is provided at the centralportion of a front surface 201A of the casing 201. The touch screen 202is a display device allowing a touch operation with a user's finger (apen or the like may be also used). The portable terminal 200 is to beused by the user with the longitudinal direction and lateral directionof the touch screen 202 serving as the up/down direction and theleft/right direction, respectively, for example.

2-3. Hardware Configuration of Portable Terminal

The hardware configuration of the portable terminal 200 will bedescribed below with reference to FIG. 14 in which portionscorresponding to those in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same referencenumerals. It should be noted that description is omitted with respect toportions similar to those of the portable terminal 100 according to thefirst embodiment.

An external bus 125 of the portable terminal 200 is connected to aliquid crystal panel 202A, a touch panel 202B, a GPS (Global PositioningSystem) module 203, and the like via the interface 126.

The CPU 120 is configured to control individual sections in response toan input signal from the touch panel 202B which is sequentially sent viathe interface 126, the external bus 125, and the host bus 123.

The touch panel 202B is a device that constitutes the above-describedtouch screen 202 together with the liquid crystal panel 202A. The touchpanel 202B sends an input signal indicating the coordinates of adetected touch position to the CPU 120. From this input signal, the CPU120 is configured to determine what kind of touch operation has beenmade to which position on the screen of the liquid crystal panel 202A.

Under the control of the CPU 120, the GPS module 203 receives signalsfrom a plurality of GPS satellites, and measures the current position(latitude, longitude, and the like) of the portable terminal 200 on thebasis of the signals. Then, the GPS module 203 is configured to sendcurrent position information indicating this current position to the CPU120.

2-4. Home Screen

Next, a description will be given of a home screen which is one ofscreens of the portable terminal 200. The home screen is a GUI screendisplayed by a display control performed by the CPU 120.

When a power button (not shown) is depressed and the power of theportable terminal 200 is turned on, as shown in FIG. 15, the CPU 120causes a home screen Hg to be displayed on the liquid crystal panel202A.

On the home screen Hg, as in the first embodiment described above, aplurality of app icons Ai for activating predetermined apps aredisplayed at predetermined intervals in matrix arrangement.

On the home screen Hg shown in FIG. 15, in addition to the app icons Ai1to Ai3 described above, for example, an app icon Ai4 for activating amap app is displayed.

When a tap operation on an app icon Ai is performed by the user via thetouch panel 202B, the CPU 120 recognizes that the app icon Ai has beenselected.

Then, as in the first embodiment described above, the CPU 120 activatesan app corresponding to the app icon Ai, and initially displays the topscreen of the app. That is, when an app icon Ai is selected, the CPU 120activates the corresponding app under normal setting.

On the home screen Hg, when information about cafes located near thecurrent position of the portable terminal 200 is acquired in the mapapp, a cafe icon Ci indicating the presence of information about cafesis displayed. The cafe icon Ci is the same pop-up type icon as theabove-described new arrivals icon Ni, for example, and is displayed onthe upper right of the app icon Ai4 in such a way that the cafe icon Cipartially overlaps the app icon Ai4.

A detailed description will be given of display of this cafe icon Ci.For example, when the power of the portable terminal 200 is turned on,the CPU 120 executes a map app in the background. Then, the CPU 120executes a process of acquiring cafe information every predeterminedperiod of time (for example, every several minutes). In this case, withcafes present within a range of, for example, 300 (m) from the currentposition of the portable terminal 200 as nearby cafes, the map app isset to acquire information about the nearby cafes.

In the process of acquiring information about nearby cafes, the CPU 120acquires current position information from the GPS module 203. Then, theCPU 120 transmits an acquisition request for acquiring information aboutnearby cafes and the current position information to a map app server(not shown) that provides various data corresponding to the map app, viathe wireless communication section 131. As a result, the CPU 120receives the information about nearby cafes via the wirelesscommunication section 131.

Then, the CPU 120 determines whether or not there are nearby cafes, onthe basis of the received information about nearby cafes. Then, if it isdetermined that there are nearby cafes, the CPU 120 stores “Cafe” intothe storage section 128 as information indicating the presence of nearbycafes (this will be also referred to as cafe presence information).

It should be noted that the CPU 120 does not store cafe presenceinformation into the storage section 128 if it is determined that thereare no nearby cafes. At this time, if cafe presence information isalready stored in the storage section 128, the CPU 120 is configured todelete this cafe presence information from the storage section 128.

Then, while the home screen Hg is being displayed, the CPU 120 inquiresthe storage section 128 for cafe presence information for the map appevery predetermine period of time (for example, every several minutes).Then, if the cafe presence information is stored in the storage section128, the CPU 120 is configured to display a cafe icon Ci indicating thecafe presence information on the upper right of the app icon Ai4.

Now, suppose that a long press operation on the cafe icon Ci (anoperation of touching a position on the cafe icon Ci, and keepingtouching the position for a predetermined period of time or more) isperformed via the touch panel 202B.

At this time, the CPU 120 recognizes that the cafe icon Ci has beenselected, and activates the map app. Then, as shown in FIG. 16, whilekeeping the app icon Ai4 and the cafe icon Ci displayed, the CPU 120displays on the entire liquid crystal panel 202A a map screen Mg showinginformation about nearby cafes so as not to hide these icons. At thistime, the CPU 120 makes icons other than the app icon Ai4 (for example,the app icons Ai1 to Ai3 and the like) invisible.

Specifically, the CPU 120 acquires data of the map image of the vicinityincluding the current position from the map app server via the wirelesscommunication section 131, and displays a map image Mp based on thisdata on the entire map screen Mg.

In addition, the CPU 120 displays position icons Bi (Bi1 to Bi5)indicating the positions of individual nearby cafes on the map image Mp,on the basis of the information about nearby cafes acquired from the mapapp server.

Further, at this time, the CPU 120 displays a details icon Si3 above andnear a position icon Bi3 indicating the position of the cafe closest tothe current position of the portable terminal 200. The details icon Si3shows detailed information about the cafe, such as the name, address,and telephone number of the cafe.

Further, at this time, the CPU 120 assigns the cafe icon Ci with afunction as an operating button in the map app. Then, the CPU 120changes the cafe icon Ci into a longitudinally elongated shape, anddisplays point icons Pi (Pi1 to Pi5) corresponding to individual nearbycafes on the cafe icon Ci. The point icons Pi are displayed while beingarranged at predetermined intervals with respect to the up/downdirection, for example, and their displayed positions correspond to thepositions of individual nearby cafes on the map image Mp.

At this time, if the user has not moved his/her finger from the positionwhere the finger touches the cafe icon Ci, a point icon Pi3corresponding to the cafe closest to the current position of theportable terminal 200 is selected in this state.

Now, suppose that, as shown in FIG. 17, the user moves the finger in theupward direction while keeping the finger in touch (i.e., the userperforms a drag operation in the upward direction), and touches a pointicon Pi1. At this time, the CPU 120 recognizes that the point icon Pi1has been selected, and scrolls the map image Mp so that a position iconBi1 indicating the position of the nearby cafe corresponding to thepoint icon Pi1 is positioned in the vicinity of the center of the mapscreen Mg. In addition, at this time, the CPU 120 makes the details iconSi3 that has been displayed up to then invisible, and displays a detailsicon Si1 indicating detailed information about the nearby cafecorresponding to the selected point icon Pi1.

In this way, when a point icon Pi is selected by a drag operation on thecafe icon Ci, the CPU 120 is configured to display detailed informationabout the nearby cafe corresponding to the selected point icon Pi, inthe form of a details icon Si.

Now, suppose that the touch position is moved by the user to a positionother than the position of the cafe icon Ci, or that the user's fingeris released from the touch panel 202B. Then, the CPU 120 recognizes thatthe cafe icon Ci has been deselected, and terminates the activation ofthe map app and displays the home screen Hg after returning the homescreen Hg to the original state as shown in FIG. 15.

It should be noted that the CPU 120 of the portable terminal 200 is thehardware implementing the function of the control section 11 of theinformation processing apparatus 10 described in the overview. Inaddition, the liquid crystal panel 202A of the portable terminal 200 isthe hardware implementing the function of the display section 12 of theinformation processing apparatus 10. Further, the touch panel 202B ofthe portable terminal 200 is the hardware implementing the function ofthe input section 13 of the information processing apparatus 10.

In addition, the app icon Ai4 is the icon corresponding to the firsticon described in the overview, and the cafe icon Ci is the iconcorresponding to the second icon described in the overview.

2-5. Operation and Effect

According to the above-described configuration, upon acquiringinformation about nearby cafes in the map app, the CPU 120 of theportable terminal 200 stores information indicating the presence ofinformation about nearby cafes (cafe presence information) into thestorage section 128.

At this time, when instructed to display the home screen Hg, the CPU 120displays the app icon Ai4 for activating the map app on the liquidcrystal panel 202A.

In addition, when information about nearby cafes has been acquired inthe map app, the CPU 120 reads cafe presence information from thestorage section 128, and displays a cafe icon Ci indicating this cafepresence information on the liquid crystal panel 202A so as to partiallyoverlap the app icon Ai4.

Thus, the portable terminal 200 can notify the user that informationabout nearby cafes has been acquired in the map app, as a state changein the map app.

Further, the CPU 120 activates the map app when the cafe icon Ci istouched by the user via the touch panel 202B. Then, while keeping thecafe icon Ci and the app icon Ai4 displayed, the CPU 120 displaysinformation about nearby cafes acquired in the map app.

Thus, by merely making the user perform a simple operation of selectingthe cafe icon Ci via the touch panel 202B, the portable terminal 200 canactivate the map app and also allows the user to check information aboutnearby cafes acquired in the map app.

In addition, by activating the map app while keeping the app icon Ai4and the cafe icon Ci displayed in this way, the portable terminal 200can notify the user that the map app is being activated to displayinformation about nearby cafes.

At this time, the CPU 120 assigns the cafe icon Ci with a function as anoperating button for performing an operation on the displayedinformation about nearby cafes. Then, the CPU 120 changes the shape ofthe cafe icon Ci, and displays point icons Pi corresponding toindividual nearby cafes on the cafe icon Ci. When a point icon Pi isselected by a drag operation on the cafe icon Ci, the CPU 120 displaysdetailed information about the nearby cafe corresponding to the pointicon Pi.

Thus, the portable terminal 200 allows the user to check detailedinformation about nearby cafes as desired by the user, by merely makingthe user perform a simple operation of performing a drag operation aftertouching the cafe icon Ci via the touch panel 202.

When the cafe icon Ci is deselected, the CPU 120 terminates theactivation of the map app and makes the screen of the map app invisible,and then displays the home screen Hg displaying various app icons Ai.

Thus, the portable terminal 200 can terminate the map app and displaythe home screen Hg by merely making the user perform a simple operationof deselecting the cafe icon Ci.

According to the above-described configuration, the portable terminal200 displays the app icon Ai4 for activating the map app on the liquidcrystal panel 202A. Upon detecting that information about nearby cafeshas been acquired in the map app, the portable terminal 200 isconfigured to display on the liquid crystal panel 202A a cafe icon Cifor indicating that the information about nearby cafes has been acquiredand displaying the information about nearby cafes.

Thus, the portable terminal 200 can notify the user that informationabout nearby cafes has been acquired in the map app, and allows the userto check the information about nearby cafes by merely making the userperform a simple operation of selecting the cafe icon Ci. In this way,the portable terminal 200 can improve the ease of operation when makingthe user check the information about nearby cafes.

3. Other Embodiments 3-1. Another Embodiment 1

It should be noted that according to the first embodiment describedabove, when a new arrivals icon Ni is selected via the second touchpanel 105B, the CPU 120 is configured to activate the new arrivalsoverview display program for displaying new arrivals overviewinformation for an app.

Alternatively, without limitation to the above, when a new arrivals iconNi is selected, the CPU 120 may activate an app corresponding to the newarrivals icon Ni, and initially display a screen showing informationrelated to newly arrived information.

An icon selection procedure RT4 in this case will be described withreference to FIG. 18. It should be noted that this icon selectionprocedure RT4 is a procedure executed by the CPU 120 in accordance witha program written in the ROM 121 or the storage section 128.

Upon displaying the second home screen Hg2, for example, the CPU 120starts the icon selection procedure RT4, and transfers to step SP31.

In step SP31, the CPU 120 determines whether or not an app icon Ai hasbeen selected via the second touch panel 105B.

If a positive result is obtained in this step SP31, at this time, theCPU 120 transfers to the next step SP32. In step SP32, the CPU 120activates an app corresponding to the selected app icon Ai under normalsetting to initially display the top screen, and ends this iconselection procedure RT4.

On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step SP31, theCPU 120 transfers to the next step SP33. In step SP33, the CPU 120determines whether or not a new arrivals icon Ni is displayed on thesecond home screen Hg.

If a negative result is obtained in this step SP33, at this time, theCPU 120 returns to step SP31, and determines again whether or not an appicon Ai has been selected.

On the other hand, if a positive result is obtained in step SP33, atthis time, the CPU 120 transfers to the next step SP34.

In step SP34, the CPU 120 determines whether or not the new arrivalsicon Ni has been selected via the second touch panel 105B.

If a negative result is obtained in this step SP34, this means thatneither an app icon Ai nor a new arrivals icon Ni has been selected. Atthis time, the CPU 120 returns to step SP31. Then, the CPU 120 repeatssteps SP31, SP33, and SP34 until either an app icon Ai or a new arrivalsicon Ni is selected.

On the other hand, if a positive result is obtained in step SP34, theCPU 120 transfers to the next step SP35. In step SP35, the CPU 120activates an app corresponding to the selected new arrivals icon Niunder a setting that initially displays a screen showing informationrelated to newly arrived information, and ends the icon selectionprocedure RT4.

For example, when the new arrivals icon Ni1 (FIG. 4) corresponding to avideo purchase app is selected, the CPU 120 activates the video purchaseapp, and initially displays a list screen showing a list of the titlenames, sales prices, and the like of newly arrived videos.

In addition, for example, when the new arrivals icon Ni2 correspondingto an RSS reader is selected, the CPU 120 activates the RSS reader, andinitially displays a list screen showing a list of the title names andthe like of update information for each Web site.

In addition, for example, when the new arrivals icon Ni3 correspondingto an email app is selected, the CPU 120 activates the email app, andinitially displays a list screen showing a list of the titles, senders,and the like of newly arrived emails.

In this way, when a new arrivals icon Ni is selected, the portableterminal 100 activates an app corresponding to the selected new arrivalsicon Ni, and initially displays information related to newly arrivedinformation for the app. Thus, by merely making the user perform asimple operation of selecting a new arrivals icon Ni, the portableterminal 100 can activate an app corresponding to the new arrivals iconNi and allows the user to check information related to newly arrivedinformation for the app.

3-2. Another Embodiment 2

According to the first embodiment described above, when newly arrivedinformation is acquired in an app, the CPU 120 is configured to display,on the upper right of an app icon Ai, a new arrivals icon Ni forindicating the total number of newly arrived information and displayingnew arrivals overview information.

Alternatively, without limitation to the above, the CPU 120 may detectvarious other kinds of state change as long as such a state change is astate change in an app. Further, the CPU 120 may display, together withan app icon Ai, various other kinds of icon as long as such an icon isan icon for indicating a state change in an app and displayinginformation related to the state change. In addition, the shape, size,display position, and the like of such an icon are not limited to thosedescribed above either. Icons in various other shapes, sizes, displaypositions, and the like may be displayed.

For example, as shown in FIG. 19, the CPU 120 displays on the secondhome screen Hg2 an app icon Ai5 for activating an app for displaying ablog article of an arbitrary person “Cindy” (this will be also referredto as blog app).

At this time, if the CPU 120 detects acquisition of a newly arrivedarticle in the blog app, the CPU 120 may display a feeling icon Hiindicating the feeling of “Cindy” about the newly arrived article (forexample, an emoticon indicating a happy face), on the upper right of theapp icon Ai5.

Then, when the feeling icon Hi is selected via the second touch panel105, the CPU 120 may activate the blog app, and initially display thisnewly arrived article.

It is assumed that when, for example, the power of the portable terminal100 is turned on, the CPU 120 is configured to execute the blog app inthe background, and acquire information about newly arrived articles viathe wireless communication section 131 from a server that providesinformation about blog articles. It is assumed that this informationabout newly arrived articles includes information indicating thefeelings of “Cindy” about the newly arrived articles.

In addition, for example, the CPU 120 displays on the second home screenHg2 an app icon Ai6 for activating an app for browsing an image (thiswill be also referred to as image browsing app).

At this time, if the CPU 120 detects with respect to the image browsingapp that version upgrade information for the image browsing app has beenacquired, for example, the CPU 120 may display an information icon Riindicating the presence of version upgrade information on the upperright of the app icon Ai6.

Then, when the information icon Ri is selected via the second touchpanel 105B, the CPU 120 may display on the first liquid crystal panel104A a screen for notifying the user of information related to a versionupgrade for the image browsing app.

In this way, upon acquiring notification information in an app which isto be notified to the user, the CPU 120 may display an icon indicatingthe presence of notification information, and display the notificationinformation when this icon is selected.

3-3. Another Embodiment 3

Further, according to the first embodiment described above, the CPU 120is configured to display new arrivals icons Ni (Ni1 to Ni3)corresponding to individual apps in the same shape and size.

Alternatively, without limitation to the above, the CPU 120 may cause anew arrivals icon Ni corresponding to an app with relatively largenumber of newly arrived information to be displayed in a large size, andcause a new arrivals icon Ni corresponding to an app with relativelysmall number of newly arrived information to be displayed in a smallsize.

Alternatively, without limitation to the above, the CPU 120 may displaya new arrivals icon Ni in a flashing fashion when newly arrivedinformation particularly recommendable to the user is acquired in anapp.

That is, in accordance with a change in the state of an app such as theacquisition status of newly arrived information in the app, the CPU 120may change the manner of display of an icon indicating the state changesuch as the new arrivals icon Ni.

Thus, the portable terminal 100 can notify the user of a state change inan app in a more easy to understand way.

3-4. Another Embodiment 4

Further, according to the first embodiment described above, as shown in,for example, FIG. 4, the CPU 120 is configured to display each app iconAi in a predetermined display position.

Alternatively, without limitation to the above, the CPU 120 may changethe display position of each app icon Ai depending on whether or not theapp icon Ai is displaying a new arrivals icon Ni corresponding to theapp icon Ai.

For example, the CPU 120 may display each app icon Ai that is displayinga new arrival icon Ni, in the leftmost column or rightmost column of thecolumns of app icons Ai on the second home screen Hg2.

For example, in FIG. 20, since newly arrived information has beenacquired in the video purchase app and the RSS reader, the new arrivalsicons Ni1 and Ni2 are displayed, respectively. Since no newly arrivedinformation has been acquired in the email app, the new arrivals iconNi3 is not displayed.

At this time, the CPU 120 displays the app icon Ai1 corresponding to thevideo purchase app and the app icon Ai2 corresponding to the RSS readerin the leftmost column on the second home screen Hg2. On the other hand,the CPU 120 displays the app icon Ai3 corresponding to the email app in,for example, the column at the middle of the second home screen Hg2.

It is expected that when using the portable terminal 100, the user holdsthe second casing 102 with both hands. Further, it is expected that theregion on the second touch screen 105 which can be touched by the userwith his/her finger while holding the second casing 102 with both handsis either the rightmost region or the leftmost region of the secondtouch screen 105.

Therefore, it is considered that the user can easily select a newarrivals icon Ni or an app icon Ai displayed in the rightmost region orleftmost region of the second touch screen 105.

Accordingly, by displaying a new arrivals icon Ni and the correspondingapp icon Ai in the rightmost region or leftmost region of the secondtouch screen 105, the portable terminal 100 makes it easy for the userto select these icons.

That is, the portable terminal 100 displays a new arrivals icon Ni andthe corresponding app icon Ai within a region on the second touch screen105 which can be touched by a finger of the user when the second casing102 is held with the hands of the user. Thus, the portable terminal 100can make it easy for the user to select such a new arrivals icon Ni andthe corresponding app icon Ai, thereby improving the ease of operationwhen making the user check new arrivals overview information or othersuch information related to newly arrived information.

3-5. Another Embodiment 5

Further, according to the first embodiment described above, after a newarrivals icon Ni is selected to display new arrivals overviewinformation, when the new arrivals overview information is selected, theCPU 120 is configured to activate the corresponding app, and initiallydisplay a screen showing information related to newly arrivedinformation.

Alternatively, without limitation to the above, for example, when anoperation of dragging a selected new arrivals icon Ni to thecorresponding app icon Ai is performed, the CPU 120 may activate thecorresponding app, and initially display a screen showing informationrelated to newly arrived information.

Thus, by merely making the user perform a simple operation of selectinga new arrivals icon Ni to check new arrivals overview information andthen dragging the new arrivals icon Ni to the corresponding app icon Ai,the portable terminal 100 can activate the corresponding app, and allowsthe user to check information related to newly arrived information. Inthis way, the portable terminal 100 allows the user to check informationrelated to newly arrived information for an app by a simpler operation.

3-6. Another Embodiment 6

Further, according to the first embodiment described above, the CPU 120is configured to set new arrivals overview information for an app ashaving been already checked by the user, when the Checked button Bn onthe new arrivals overview window Nw is selected.

Alternatively, without limitation to the above, the CPU 120 may display,for example, a trash icon in the region R3 (FIG. 4) of the second homescreen Hg2. Then, when an operation of dragging a new arrivals icon Nito the trash icon is performed, the CPU 120 may set the correspondingnew arrivals overview information as having been already checked by theuser, and make the new arrivals icon Ni corresponding to the newarrivals overview information invisible.

That is, the CPU 120 may provide the second home screen Hg2 with apredetermined region for setting new arrivals overview information ashaving been already checked by the user. Then, when an operation ofdragging a new arrivals icon Ni to this region is performed, the CPU 120may set the corresponding new arrivals overview information as havingbeen already checked by the user, and make the new arrivals icon Nicorresponding to the new arrivals overview information invisible.

Thus, by merely making the user perform a simple operation of selectinga new arrivals icon Ni to check new arrivals overview information andthen dragging the new arrivals icon Ni to the predetermined region, theportable terminal 100 can set the new arrivals overview information ashaving been already checked by the user.

3-7. Another Embodiment 7

Further, according to the first embodiment described above, when a tapoperation on a new arrivals icon Ni is performed, the CPU 120 isconfigured to recognize that the new arrivals icon Ni has been selected,and display the lower-level row Ld for an app corresponding to the newarrivals icon Ni.

Alternatively, without limitation to the above, the CPU 120 may beconfigured to display the lower-level row Ld for an app corresponding toa new arrivals icon Ni only while the new arrivals icon Ni is beingtouched continuously, for example.

Alternatively, without limitation to the above, the CPU 120 may beconfigured to display the new arrivals overview window Nw only while anew arrivals icon Ni is being touched continuously, for example.

Alternatively, without limitation to the above, the CPU 120 mayrecognize that a new arrivals icon Ni has been selected and display thenew arrivals overview window Nw, in response to various other kinds ofoperation on the new arrivals icon Ni. For example, a hardware buttonsuch as an Enter button may be provided as an input section instead ofthe second touch panel 105B, and a new arrivals icon Ni may berecognized as having been selected in response to a depressing operationon the Enter button.

3-8. Another Embodiment 8

Further, according to the second embodiment described above, when a cafeicon Ci is selected, the CPU 120 is configured to display, on the entireliquid crystal panel 202A, the map screen Mg showing information aboutnearby cafes while keeping the app icon Ai4 and the cafe icon Cidisplayed.

Alternatively, without limitation to the above, the CPU 120 may displaythe map screen Mg at various other positions, as long as the app iconAi4 and the cafe icon Ci remain displayed. For example, if the app iconAi4 and the cafe icon Ci are displayed in the upper side of the liquidcrystal panel 202A, the CPU 120 may display the map screen Mg in thelower side of the liquid crystal panel 202A.

3-9. Another Embodiment 9

Further, according to the first embodiment described above, the CPU 120is configured to inquire the new arrivals overview information databasefor the total number of newly arrived information every predeterminedperiod of time interval in the new arrivals icon display procedure RT2,and display a new arrivals icon Ni indicating the total number.

Alternatively, without limitation to the above, for example, the CPU 120may execute a program that displays a new arrivals icon Ni when newlyarrived information is acquired in an app, thereby displaying the newarrivals icon Ni indicating the total number of newly arrivedinformation.

Alternatively, without limitation to the above, for example, the CPU 120may make a new arrivals icon Ni corresponding to newly arrivedinformation invisible as soon as the newly arrived information ischecked in an app.

3-10. Another Embodiment 10

Further, according to the second embodiment described above, when a cafeicon Ci is selected, the CPU 120 is configured to assign the cafe iconCi with a function as an operating button in the map app. Then, the CPU120 is configured to accept an operational input to information relatedto information about nearby cafes, on the basis of an operational inputto the cafe icon Ci.

Alternatively, without limitation to the above, the CPU 120 may assignthe cafe icon Ci with various other kinds of function, as long as theCPU 120 assigns the cafe icon Ci with a function as an operating buttonfor performing an operation on information related to information aboutnearby cafes. Alternatively, the CPU 120 may change the shape of thecafe icon Ci to various shapes upon assignment of such a function, ormay not change the shape. Alternatively, the CPU 120 may accept variousoperational inputs to information about nearby cafes, in response tovarious other operational inputs to the cafe icon Ci.

3-11. Another Embodiment 11

Further, according to the first and second embodiments described above,the portable terminal 100 or 200 serving as the information processingapparatus 1 or 10 is provided with the CPU 120 serving as the controlsection 2 or 12.

Further, according to the other embodiments described above, in additionto the CPU 120 serving as the control section 2, the second casing 102serving as a casing, and the second touch screen 105 serving as a touchscreen are provided to the portable terminal 100 serving as theinformation processing apparatus 1.

Alternatively, without limitation to the above, the above-describedindividual sections of the portable terminal 100 or 200 may beconfigured by various other hardware or software, as long as they havethe same functions.

Further, according to the embodiments described above, a touch screenincluding a liquid crystal panel and a touch panel is provided as thedisplay section and input section of the information processingapparatus. Alternatively, a liquid crystal display having a touch panelfunction may be provided, for example. Alternatively, for example, ahardware button such as a cross key may be provided instead of the touchpanel. Alternatively, for example, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence)display may be provided instead of the liquid crystal panel.

Further, according to the first and second embodiments described above,the present invention is applied to the portable terminal 100 or 200.Alternatively, without limitation to the above, the present inventionmay or can be applied to various other kinds of information processingapparatus which activate an application, for example, a portabletelephone or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant).

3-12. Another Embodiment 12

Further, according to the embodiments described above, a program forexecuting various kinds of processing is written in the ROM 121 or thestorage section 128 of the portable terminal 100 in advance.

Alternatively, without limitation to the above, this program may berecorded in advance in, for example, a storage medium such as a memorycard, and the CPU 120 of the potable terminal 100 may read this programfrom the storage medium for execution. Alternatively, a flash memory maybe provided instead of the ROM 121, and the program read from thestorage medium may be installed into this flash memory.

3-13. Another Embodiment 13

Further, the present invention is not limited to the first and secondembodiments and the other embodiments described above. That is, thescope of the present invention encompasses embodiments obtained bycombining part or all of the first and second embodiments and the otherembodiments described above in an arbitrary manner, or embodimentsobtained by partially extracting these embodiments.

For example, the first embodiment and Another Embodiment 8 may becombined. In this case, for example, when newly arrived information isacquired in an app in the portable terminal 200 having a single touchscreen, a new arrivals icon Ni is displayed adjacent to thecorresponding app icon Ai. Then, when the new arrivals icon Ni isselected, the CPU 120 displays the new arrivals overview window Nw at aposition not overlapping the app icon Ai and the new arrivals icon Niwhile keeping the app icon Ai and the new arrivals icon Ni displayed.

Further, for example, the first embodiment and Another Embodiment 10 maybe combined. In this case, for example, when a new arrivals icon Ni isselected by a tap operation in the portable terminal 200 having a singletouch screen, the CPU 120 displays the new arrivals overview window Nwshowing new arrivals overview information. At the same time, the CPU 120assigns the new arrivals icon Ni with a function as an operating buttonfor scrolling the new arrivals overview information, and changes theshape of the new arrivals icon Ni to the shape of, for example, a crossbutton. Then, the CPU 120 may scroll the new arrivals overviewinformation in accordance with an operation on the cross button.

The present application contains subject matter related to thatdisclosed in Japanese Priority Patent Application JP 2009-200161 filedin the Japan Patent Office on Aug. 31, 2009, the entire content of whichis hereby incorporated by reference.

It should be understood by those skilled in the art that variousmodifications, combinations, sub-combinations and alterations may occurdepending on design requirements and other factors insofar as they arewithin the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

Systems, apparatuses, and methods consistent with this disclosure may beimplemented as instructions on a computer-readable medium. Acomputer-readable medium can be magnetic storage, optical storage, solidstate storage, a hard drive, RAM, ROM, CD, DVD, flash drive, or otherdevice suitable for storing computer-readable instructions. The systemmay be implemented by one or more of the CPUs executing the instructionsstored on the computer-readable medium.

What is claimed is:
 1. Information processing apparatus, comprising: aninput unit configured to receive information associated with a first setof processing instructions; a controller configured to: generate a firstsignal to cause a first icon to be presented on a display; generate asecond signal, based on the received information, to cause a second iconto be presented on the display, the second icon indicating a change instatus of data associated with the first set of processing instructions;and receive a user selection of one of the first or second icons,selection of the first icon causing execution of the first set ofprocessing instructions, and selection of the second icon causingexecution of a second set of processing instructions.
 2. The apparatusof claim 1 wherein: the received information comprises an electronicmessage, and the second icon comprises an icon indicating a number ofunread electronic messages.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein: thereceived information comprises a data feed, and the second iconcomprises an icon indicating a new arrival for the data feed.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 3 wherein the data feed comprises at least one of anRSS feed, a blog, a social media feed, or a news feed.
 5. The apparatusof claim 1 wherein: the received information comprises positioninformation, and the second icon comprises an icon indicating that atleast one of an object or a service is available within a predetermineddistance from the apparatus.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein thesecond icon overlaps at least a portion of the first icon.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein the position of the second icon indicates arelationship between the first and second icons.
 8. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein: the display is a first display of the apparatus; andthe apparatus further comprises a second display.
 9. The apparatus ofclaim 8 wherein the controller is further configured to, when aselection of the second icon is received, present the receivedinformation on the second display.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1 whereinthe change in status is a change to a state of having new dataassociated with the first set of processing instructions.
 11. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured toenlarge the second icon in response to the user selection of the secondicon.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the controller is furtherconfigured to return the second icon to an original size in response toa user release.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller isfurther configured to change a color of the second icon in response tothe user selection of the second icon.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the controller is further configured to present informationregarding the change in status in response to the user selection of thesecond icon.
 15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second iconindicates an emotion of a third party regarding the receivedinformation.
 16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the receivedinformation comprises new information associated with the first set ofprocessing instructions; and the controller is further configured todetermine a size of the second icon based on the amount of newinformation.
 17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the receivedinformation comprises new information associated with the first set ofprocessing instructions; and the controller is further configured topresent the new information in response to dragging the second icon tothe first icon.
 18. An information processing method, comprising:receiving information associated with a first set of processinginstructions; generating a first signal to cause a first icon to bepresented on a display; generating a second signal, based on thereceived information, to cause a second icon to be presented on thedisplay, the second icon indicating a change in status of dataassociated with the first set of processing instructions; and receivinga user selection of one of the first or second icons, selection of thefirst icon causing execution of the first set of processinginstructions, and selection of the second icon causing execution of asecond set of processing instructions.
 19. The method of claim 11wherein the second icon displays a number of new pieces of dataassociated with the first set of processing instructions.
 20. Acomputer-readable medium tangibly embodied in a storage device storing aset of instructions that, when executed by a processor, perform aninformation processing method, the method comprising: receivinginformation associated with a first set of processing instructions;generating a first signal to cause a first icon to be presented on adisplay; generating a second signal, based on the received information,to cause a second icon to be presented on the display, the second iconindicating a change in status of data associated with the first set ofprocessing instructions; and receiving a user selection of one of thefirst or second icons, selection of the first icon causing execution ofthe first set of processing instructions, and selection of the secondicon causing execution of a second set of processing instructions.